Our director general, Lesley Batchelor OBE, was a keynote speaker at the recent 3rd annual Export Summit in Athens, Greece.

The event, organised by the Greek International Business Association (SEVE – www.seve.gr), focused on “Financing Exporting Firms” – an important subject to most Greek exporters, who often struggle with their exporting activities because of a lack of available financing.

This year’s event coincided with a renewed determination from the Greek business community to boost growth and competitiveness by looking beyond the country’s borders for export opportunities. Lesley spoke about the working capital cycle in international trade, in a speech that was well received by those in attendance.

The conference addressed the financial issues which exist for many Greek exporters and provided them with an opportunity to analyse the domestic export environment compared to corresponding environments abroad. Delegates also learnt about best financial practices and innovative finance schemes that foreign firms have already successfully adopted.

Representatives from international organisations such as International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), World Trade Organization, Oliver Wyman, Northstar Europe, Finest SpA, EKN and IFC also attended.

Delegates included export managers, chief financial officers, bank executives, ministry & public sector officials, business consultants and institution representatives.

Lesley Batchelor commented: ”The event gave a clear message that Greece is committed to a rigorous programme of growth, increased productive entrepreneurship and exports and a shift of resources towards export-oriented sectors.”

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